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Windows Forum Admin

The operating system which many thought was going to be Windows 9 is in fact going to be called Windows 10.
The preview is apparently available tomorrow 1st October 2014.
Why the sudden change from windows 9 to windows 10? If the hype is to be believed then Windows 10 is such a change from previous operating systems that it needed an extra digit:

Microsoft jumped straight from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, leapfrogging the expected Windows 9 release. Myerson maintained that when users get their hands on the new OS, they'll see "Windows 10" is a more fitting name than "Windows 9" because the OS represents a far bigger shift than a mere one-digit jump could convey.

The next major version of Windows, Windows 10, will be available late next year. The new operating system is being unveiled today at an event in San Francisco, where Microsoft announced its name and began detailing new features, including the return and makeover of the Start Menu, the introduction of multiple desktops, and a new universal search feature.

Microsoft has been providing an early look at the next version of Windows, the company will be calling the new OS Windows 10. Early photos and screenshtos have already appeared on the web , showing builds with a hybrid start menu combining Windows 7-era features with Windows 8 style tiles. Business customers are likely to receive early access soon, to begin testing and provide feedback.

The software will run on a wide range of devices from smartphones and tablets to PCs and Xbox games consoles, with applications sold from a single store. It also marks the return of the Start Menu, which had been removed from Windows 8. With Windows 10, Microsoft will offer a single platform on which to develop applications for phones, tablets, laptops, desktops and wall-sized PCs. It’s not one size fits all, and instead will vary depending on the hardware on which it’s running.

Return of the classic desktop and Start menu. Windows 10 will come with a classic looking desktop, which should please Windows fans that miss Windows 7 (shown above). This means there will be a Start menu, too, although it looks a bit different than the menu we're used to. As previous leaks had indicated, the Start menu looks like a hybrid of a standard menu and the tiled Windows 8 interface.

Continuum. Microsoft is adding a new feature called Continuum that allows the operating system to adapt based on what type of device you're using. For example, if you're using a mouse and keyboard you'll get the standard desktop view. But if you're using a Windows tablet hybrid, you'll switch to "tablet mode" once you disconnect the keyboard.

Apps will run on the desktop. Windows 8 apps, which were initially designed for touch, will now work with the mouse and keyboard and will run in the desktop. Microsoft is clearly making its software more PC-friendly.

Better multitasking. There's a new "task view" button on the task bar that lets you easily switch between apps.

An improved Snap feature. With Windows 10, you'll be able to snap multiple apps alongside one another. Based on Microsoft's demo, it looks like you can snap more apps together than you could before with previous versions of Windows.

“Windows 10 will be our most comprehensive platform ever,” he said. Myerson said the company is “starting the dialogue” with enterprise customers today. He noted that they’re still buying PCs, and business sales grew 14 percent in the first half of the year.

For business users, the first priority is that the operating system be “familiar” whether they are coming from Windows 7 or Windows 8 so they can immediately be productive. The second priority is “modern management” of a fleet of computers. Myerson was followed by Microsoft Vice President Joe Belfiore to provide a demo. Belfiore showed the new start menu that surfaces in the lower left corner. It indeed combines a traditional list of “most used” programs and files, a search box and a panel populated with Windows 8 style “live tiles.”

Customers like the tiles and they are customizable, he said. The tiles can be made taller or wider, changing the height and width of the start menu. “It gives the familiarity of Windows 7 with some of the new benefits that exist in Windows 8,” he said.

Belfiore noted how the menu combines traditional Win32 apps with apps built for Windows 8 and Windows Phone and distributed through Microsoft’s app store.

We don’t want that duality,” he said, adding that “regardless of how an app was written it “works the way you expect.” Belfiore also demonstrated Windows 10′s improved handling of multiple desktops on a single screen, including more control over “snapping” these windowed panels into different locations on the desktop. The “alt-tab” control has been updated to scroll through open windows. This isn’t earth-shaking but it shows how Microsoft has to develop the software for a wide range of users, from novices to advanced users, he said.

At the far end of this spectrum are people who may appreciate improvements to using the “command prompt” capability, which Belfiore demonstrated. It took half an hour before touch controls were mentioned, in contrast to the Windows 8 emphasis on touchscreens and a new “charms” control menu that disappeared until summoned.

Instead of designing first for touchscreens, Windows 10 is using touch to extend the mouse-and-keyboard experience ‘so it feels natural,” Belfiore said. “I expect that charms bar to change,” he said.At the same time, Microsoft still sees a lot of potential in “two in one” devices that work as both a tablet and a traditional laptop. The “Windows 8 focus on touch was trying to salute the idea that people would be productive on these touch devices but we didn’t quite get it right,” Belfiore said. New consumer features are coming but aren’t being shown yet. Instead, the company’s reaching out first to enterprise customers. Starting tomorrow, Microsoft will release a technical preview for laptops and desktops through its “Windows Insider Program” for business customers and advanced users. Later the company will release new software for servers and management tools and other device categories. “We think it’s time to show the world and start that feedback cycle going,” Belfiore said. Myerson cautioned that the software is still early and of variable quality at this point.

“Windows 10 will be our most open, collaborative OS project ever,” he said.

A broader release of the software is likely in mid-2015, after the company’s BUILD developer conference. Asked for more explanation of the name, Myerson and Belfiore first related the kids’ joke about how “seven ate nine” but then gave a more serious answer. “When you see the product in its fullness I think you’ll agree with us it’s a more appropriate name for the breadth of the product family that’s coming,” he said.

“It was a name that resonated best for what we will deliver,” he added. Myerson declined to discuss whether Microsoft will change the way it sells or licenses Windows with the release of Windows 10. Asked about designing an operating system that spans business and consumer usage, Belfiore said the company believes it can design a user experience that scales across the scenarios. The starting point is recognizing that the users are “not different humans,” he said, adding that “people who use a phone or a PC or a tablet to do work are the same people who use a phone or a PC or a tablet at home.” “Fundamentally it feels like a problem we can solve,” he said.

Microsoft will offer a "technical preview" of Windows 10 to early adopters later this week, which will run on laptops and desktops.

The company said it would provide details about the introduction of "universal apps" - individual programs that tailor their functionality to different types of devices - in April, and would aim to release the completed OS before the end of 2015.

Many users will be wanting to know where they can get their hands on a copy of Windows 10 Preview. Luckily for us Mary Jo Foley has an article which includes the process of signing up:

Tomorrow, on October 1, Microsoft will open up itspreview.windows.com site so that those interested in testing the Enterprise Technical Preview version of the operating system can download the early bits. Those who sign up through the preview site will be enrolled in Insiders Program. Via this program, Microsoft will push regular updates through Windows Update to the initial tech preview over the coming months.

Insiders also will be asked to provide feedback in a variety of forms to Microsoft about the features they like and dislike.

Banned

Windows Forum Admin

It’s a humbling and amazing thing to work on Windows, which is used by over 1.5 billion people in every country of the world. From kids playing with computers for the first time, to writers and journalists, to engineers, to gamers, to CEOs, at some point Windows has empowered all of us.

In the Windows team, we’re proud of this – but we also know that the world today is very different from the one in which Windows grew up. Today, devices outnumber people. Connectivity is like oxygen. The tension between the desire for agility versus stability poses a huge challenge for IT Pros. Experiences – no matter what device you’re on – just need to work. The only thing that hasn’t really changed is the situation for developers – still too much to do, and not enough time.

One way to look at it is that Windows is at a threshold. It’s time for a new Windows. This new Windows must be built from the ground-up for a mobile-first, cloud-first world. This new Windows must help our customers be productive in both their digital work and their digital life. This new Windows must empower people and organizations to do great things.

That new Windows is Windows 10.

Windows 10 represents the first step of a whole new generation of Windows. Windows 10 unlocks new experiences for customers to work, play and connect. Windows 10 embodies what our customers (both consumers and enterprises) demand and what we will deliver.

Windows 10 will run across an incredibly broad set of devices – from the Internet of Things, to servers in enterprise datacenters worldwide. Some of these devices have 4 inch screens – some have 80 inch screens – and some don’t have screens at all. Some of these devices you hold in your hand, others are ten feet away. Some of these devices you primarily use touch/pen, others mouse/keyboard, others controller/gesture – and some devices can switch between input types.

We’re not talking about one UI to rule them all – we’re talking about one product family, with a tailored experience for each device.

And across this breadth of devices, we are delivering one application platform for our developers. Whether you’re building a game or a line of business application, there will be one way to write a universal app that targets the entire family. There will be one store, one way for applications to be discovered, purchased and updated across all of these devices.

Windows 10 will deliver the right experience on the right device at the right time. It will be our most comprehensive platform ever.

Now, during the design of a new Windows, we spend time with many diverse customers. One of the most important of these customers is the enterprise. In the past year I’ve talked to dozens of enterprise customers and listened to how they are using and deploying Windows, and what they need from us.

These customers are betting their businesses on Windows – in the first half of this year, shipments of enterprise PCs grew 14%. In that same time period, shipments of Windows enterprise tablets grew 33%.

Tomorrow, we are excited to announce the Windows Insider Program, where PC experts and IT Pros can get access to a technical preview of Windows 10 for desktops and laptops. Soon after, we’ll also be releasing technical previews of Windows Server and our management tools.

With the Insider program, we’re inviting our most enthusiastic Windows customers to shape Windows 10 with us. We know they’re a vocal bunch – and we’re looking forward to hearing from them.

The Windows Insider Program is intended for PC experts and IT pros who are comfortable using pre-release software with variable quality. Insiders will receive a steady stream of early builds from us with the latest features we’re experimenting with.

This week’s announcements are just the first chapter of our conversation with customers about Windows 10 – with a focus on enterprise features (because enterprises have a need to evaluate software early on) and the desktop/laptop experiences. Early in 2015 we’ll introduce the consumer chapter and talk much more about other device types and more consumer features. We’ll then continue the conversation with the developer chapter at our Build conference, and later in the year we’ll release Windows 10 and look forward to some amazing new devices.

Today was an important beginning for our customers and partners as we embark on the Windows 10 journey together. I encourage everyone reading this to sign up for the Windows Insider Program, download the technical preview, and let us know what you think. Check here tomorrow for specific details – but in the meantime, here’s a peek at some of the new features you can test drive once you become an Insider:

Start menu: The familiar Start menu is back, but it brings with it a new customizable space for your favorite apps and Live Tiles.

Everything runs in a window: Apps from the Windows Store now open in the same format that desktop apps do and can be resized and moved around, and have title bars at the top allowing for maximize, minimize, and close with a click.

Snap enhancements: You can now have four apps snapped on the same screen with a new quadrant layout. Windows will also show other apps and programs running for additional snapping and even make smart suggestions on filling available screen space with other open apps.

New task view button: There’s a new task-view button on the taskbar for quick switching between open files and quick access to any desktops you create.

Multiple desktops: Create desktops for different purposes and projects and switch between these desktops easily and pick up where you left off on each desktop.

Find files faster: File Explorer now displays your recent files and frequently visited folders making for finding files you’ve worked on is easier.

Watch the below video from Joe Belfiore to see many of these features in action. Immediately you’ll see how Windows 10 carries forward a sense of familiarity, while providing new capabilities to help you way the work you want to and be more productive.

Today was an important beginning for our customers and partners as we embark on the Windows 10 journey together. While it’s early and things are bound to change as we collaborate together in the months ahead, this should give a strong sense of where we’re going not only with the desktop experience, but in general overall. We’re looking forward to getting your feedback on Windows 10, as well as continuing this conversation in the weeks and months to come.
Ref:http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2014/09/30/announcing-windows-10/

Windows Forum Admin

The windows 10 Tech Preview is now available in all flavours. This is the download screen taken from Microsoft's Tech Preview site. As you can see the 64bit version is available:

The above screen just contains information relating to the download.

Before you install Windows Technical PreviewJoin the Windows Insider Program to make sure you get all the new features that are on the way. If you’re okay with a moving target and don’t want to miss out on the latest stuff, keep reading. Technical Preview could be just your thing.

Download and install the preview only if you

Want to try out software that’s still in development and like sharing your opinion about it.

Don’t mind lots of updates or a UI design that might change significantly over time.

Really know your way around a PC and feel comfortable troubleshooting problems, backing up data, formatting a hard drive, installing an operating system from scratch, or restoring your old one if necessary.

Know what an ISO file is and how to use it.

Aren't installing it on your everyday computer.

We're not kidding about the expert thing. So if you think BIOS is a new plant-based fuel, Tech Preview may not be right for you.

Things to keep in mind

Unexpected PC crashes could damage or even delete your files, so you should back up everything. Some printers and other hardware might not work, and some software might not install or work correctly, including antivirus or security programs. You might also have trouble connecting to home or corporate networks.

Also, if your PC runs into problems, Microsoft will likely examine your system files. If the privacy of your system files is a concern, consider using a different PC. For more info, read our privacy statement.

What does it work with?

Technical Preview should work with the same devices and programs that work with Windows 8.1, but you might need to update or reinstall some of them.

Drivers for basic functions like storage, networking, input, and display come with Windows. These drivers allow you to complete the Windows installation and connect to the Internet. You might be able to get more drivers from Windows Update.

If you use a mouse and keyboard
Your apps and devices should work as expected, though of course there will be exceptions. We’d love to know what you think about how the new Windows works with mouse and keyboard and whether it provides the best of new and familiar functionality for Windows and apps.

If you have a touch PC
Technical Preview works with touch, but some things will be rough and unfinished. More touch-friendly improvements are on the way. In the meantime, let us know what it’s like to interact with Windows and apps in the preview.

If you want to go back to your previous operating system

You'll need to reinstall your version of Windows from the recovery or installation media that came with your PC (typically DVD media). If you don't have recovery media:

For Windows 7 or Windows Vista: Before you update, you might be able to create recovery media from a recovery partition on your PC using software provided by your PC manufacturer. Check the support section of your PC manufacturer's website for more info.

Extraordinary Member

I got the tech preview running in virtualbox, works okay so far except the virtualbox drivers dont work yet.
Expected, will wait for updates to come in.
Only complaint is now you may have the opposite problem of windows 8, where metro apps feel out of place on 10's mostly desktop oriented look and feel.

Its funny because its true.
After all the complaining about fullscreen apps in windows 8 it can be seen as ironic now metro apps are the ones that seem out of place.
Still full screening metro apps may be a necessary evil for those on tablets and phones, mouse over close buttons would be a nice compromise.

Banned

Its funny because its true.
After all the complaining about fullscreen apps in windows 8 it can be seen as ironic now metro apps are the ones that seem out of place.
Still full screening metro apps may be a necessary evil for those on tablets and phones, mouse over close buttons would be a nice compromise.

I do get how you mean it, including the comedic irony. But, for me, they are (now) in THE place I want them and I like that I can size them & move them about in that place. Finally, as I'd always, wish it could be, would be.

I believe they do stay full on phones & tablets. A trait of Win 10 is same (ONE) OS but, it adapts itself, so to speak, to different devices.... touch, non-touch, big screens, little screens, PCs, Mobile. You get the expected behavior on that device from a common OS.

Noob Whisperer

I'm sorry... I don't see the issue here.
They run in a Window. They have the same window controls that all windowed apps have close to taskbar with the -, close completely (and they do close completely which is a nice change) with the x and resize down or up with the control between the x and the -
It seems weird to complain about something that appears to work so well.

Banned

No complaint here, that's for sure. It's great they (now) work just like regular good ole Windows Explorer windows. Gone is the one thing I never liked... having to change screens for things of having an APP go full screen... and have to go through a bunch of manipulations to have APPs & Desktop (maybe a browser window or whatever) in view simultaneously. So, sure as heck no complaint here.

I empathise, it's hard to grasp complaining over this (now).

Remember, no matter what, "never can or will please everyone all the time"

Banned

I am fairly certain that option is, still, there but, I am not dead sure. Since, I wouldn't even, consider it, I didn't look to closely for it. But, again, I am quite positive the OS can be used under a Local Account. If I recall you look @ the bottom left corner of the initial screens where it asks for one's account info; although the phrasing, the wording of the link is not very obvious or clearly stated as to what it is for or what it means but, it does what you want.

Just a heads-up/FYI... All my 'stuff' in 8.1 was maintained in 10. It will not do that w/ your approach.